Discover Minerbio: Borgo, Rocca and Church Art
Accommodation in Minerbio
Minerbio can be explored through a range of historical themes: the layout of the Borgo, Rocca Isolani, church art and the changing use of a cultural building. Visitors who particularly appreciate architectural history or sacred art can take these aspects into account when choosing a destination.
The Historic Borgo and Its Layout
The historic Borgo di Minerbio retains its orthogonal street network and the almost square layout of the ancient Castrum. Orthogonal means that the streets meet at right angles; this makes it possible to distinguish the regular street grid from the almost square outline of the Castrum. A medieval gate is still visible at the entrance to the Borgo; its drawbridge has not survived.
Rocca Isolani: Destruction and Reconstruction
Rocca Isolani dates back to the 14th century. After it was destroyed by the Landsknechts in 1527, it was rebuilt around the middle of the 16th century. The interior decoration is attributed to the 16th-century painter Amico Aspertini.
Churches and Sacred Art
The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista was built between 1733 and 1737, replacing the old parish church, which was demolished for this purpose. The church houses two 18th-century paintings by Ubaldo Gandolfi, depicting Saint Blaise and Saint Catherine of Siena. The Chiesa di San Giovanni in Triario probably dates back to the 11th century and preserves an ancient baptismal font. This church is also home to the Museo della ReligiositĂ Popolare; visits to the museum are possible by request.
Architecture from the Dovecote to Palazzo Minerva
La colombaia was built in 1536 as an octagonal production building with interior cells for up to 3,000 pigeons. Its architectural forms, and in particular its beautiful interior wooden spiral staircase, are attributed to the architect Jacopo Barozzi, known as Vignola. This allows the exterior form, its use as a production building and its distinctive interior features to be considered separately. Palazzo Minerva was designed in 1933 by the architect Gian Luigi Giordani.
A Building in Transition
After the end of Fascism, the Casa del Fascio became the Casa del Popolo. Its conference hall was converted into the Cinema-Teatro “Minerva.” This sequence records two distinct changes: the change in the building’s name and the conversion of its conference hall.
Getting There and Cycling Connections
The Borgo can be reached on foot, by bicycle, by car and by bus 93. The Ciclovia delle Antiche Paludi Bolognesi has a connecting route to and from Minerbio. Check bus 93 travel information before setting out, and check the current route before a cycling trip.
Discover more destinations: Calderara Di Reno, Monte San Pietro, San Marino, Valsamoggia, Granarolo Dell'emilia, Varignana-Palesio, Borgonuovo, Roncobilaccio.
For the broader travel overview: Bologna.
